The Green Bay Packers' decision to trade Dontayvion Wicks isn't all that surprising. The rumors had been brewing for weeks. However, the full details raise questions.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Packers are trading Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round selection.
If you're reading this thinking, "That's it?!" then you're not alone. Let's talk about it.
Packers' Dontayvion Wicks trade is a surprising roll of the dice from GM Brian Gutekunst
Brian Gutekunst is among the best negotiators in the NFL. He stole Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys and then somehow convinced them to part ways with a fourth-round pick for Rashan Gary, whom the Packers were likely going to cut anyway.
Gutekunst rarely loses a trade, but this one raises questions. Two Day 3 picks for Wicks, given his importance to this offense, is a surprising roll of the dice.
On paper, the value is there. The Packers drafted Wicks in the fifth round, so trading him after three years for a fifth and a sixth is solid work. But we're not talking about what makes sense on paper. Trading Wicks to the Eagles is a gamble for a Packers team with serious Super Bowl aspirations.
Green Bay has already lost Romeo Doubs this offseason. He signed with the New England Patriots in free agency.
Losing Doubs could already be a bigger deal than it initially seemed. He was the glue that held the passing game together, having led the team in targets (85), receptions (55), receiving yards (724), and receiving touchdowns (6) last season. Wicks' production was far less consistent, but he showed flashes of stardom throughout his Packers tenure.
Take his performance at Ford Field as the perfect example. Wicks hauled in six passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns, including an impressive game-sealing catch even after losing a shoe. The Packers wouldn't have won without him.
Sure, a fifth-rounder this year is nice. A bonus sixth-rounder next year helps, too. And the Packers have one eye on the future, as Wicks likely would've bolted in free agency next offseason. Netting two draft picks isn't bad business.
But the Packers are in win-now mode. They pushed their chips to the center of the table the moment Micah Parsons arrived in Green Bay.
Sending away a valuable piece of the offense for two Day 3 picks, including one they will wait a year for, hardly screams all in. Beyond that, they've strengthened a direct NFC rival, a team that eliminated the Packers in the 2024 playoffs, by handing them a potential solution to one of their pressing needs. Wicks can thrive in Philadelphia's offense.
Green Bay still boasts plenty of pass-catching talent. Christian Watson is a star. Jayden Reed is a key starter in the slot. Matthew Golden's role will increase, as will Savion Williams'. Tucker Kraft's return from injury will also give the offense a massive boost.
But that doesn't tell the full story.
Watson has battled injuries throughout his career. Reed missed 10 games last season. Williams missed five, not to mention he only caught 10 passes. Kraft is still recovering from a torn ACL.
Wicks only missed five games in three seasons, while Doubs played 59 of a possible 68 games during his time in Green Bay. They are both gone.
The Packers have given Wicks away at a relatively low price. That's fine in a rebuilding year, but that's not this team's position. Gutekunst often speaks about winning championships, but sending a valuable pass-catcher to a direct rival is a head-scratcher.
We can only hope it doesn't come back to haunt the Packers.